Go Back
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta

Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta

Creamy Alfredo sauce, infused with the smoky, vibrant flavors of the Southwest, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Southwest
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Chicken:
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Southwest Alfredo Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers from a jar, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers (optional, for extra spice)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish (Optional):
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • A dollop of sour cream

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic ad cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Stir in roasted red peppers, cilantro and adobo sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and grated Parmesan cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess!

Notes

Adobo sauce is optional, for extra spice. Garnish with green onions, Parmesan and/or sour cream.